L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2024 www.italoamericano.org 32 L'Italo-Americano M onesteroli i s a s m a l l , l i t t l e - k n o w n h a m l e t located along the stunning L i g u r i a n c o a s t o f I t a l y . Perched on a steep cliff above the sea, it is not a place easily reached by cars or buses: in fact, the only way to visit this village is by foot or by boat, which makes it a great desti- n a t i o n f o r t h o s e s e e k i n g adventure and tranquility a w a y f r o m t h e n o i s e a n d r u m b l e o f m o r e p o p u l a r tourist spots. This isolation, combined with its breathtak- i n g s u r r o u n d i n g s , c o n - t r i b u t e s t o M o n e s t e r o l i ' s charm and appeal, drawing those who want to experience the untouched beauty of the Ligurian landscape. The village is part of the l a r g e r C i n q u e T e r r e region, which we all know for its picturesque coastal towns, but Monesteroli offers something different. Unlike its more famous neighbors like Riomaggiore or Vernaz- za, Monesteroli has remained relatively untouched by time and mass tourism; is part of the municipality of La Spezia and is accessible primarily through an ancient stairway that winds its way down to the sea. This stairway, called the Scala Grande, is one of the defining features of Mones- teroli and is integral to both i t s h i s t o r y a n d i d e n t i t y . Mind, it is not for the faint- hearted! Comprising over 1,200 stone steps, it descends steeply from the cliffs to the sea, offering dramatic views of the coastline, the Ligurian S e a , a n d t h e s u r r o u n d i n g cliffs. The Scala Grande was built centuries ago by the locals as a means of connect- ing the village with the coast- l i n e b e l o w , a n d i t s o o n b e c a m e a t r u e l i f e l i n e f o r l o c a l s , a l l o w i n g t h e m t o transport goods from the sea to the village, including fish, timber, and other essential supplies. Today, the Scala Grande remains a functional, though challenging, route for m o d e r n v i s i t o r s , w h o a r e r e w a r d e d w i t h s t u n n i n g panoramic views along the way. Monesteroli's history is closely tied to agriculture and fishing, two industries that sustained the village for cen- turies. The terraces that sur- round it are carved into the steep hillsides, a symbol of the perseverance and inge- nuity of the local farmers, who used them primarily for cultivating vineyards and making wine. Though many of the terraces have been abandoned over time due to the difficulty of maintaining them, the tradition of wine- making in the region contin- ues, with local varieties like Sciacchetrà still produced today. The village itself is made u p o f a h a n d f u l o f s t o n e houses that seem to cling precariously to the hillside; many of them are centuries old and mirror the simple, rustic architecture typical of the region. The homes are modest, but they offer stun- ning views of the surround- ing landscape, with the blue of the Ligurian Sea stretch- ing out to the horizon. There are no shops, restaurants, or modern amenities in Mones- teroli, and this is part of its charm: the village has man- aged to preserve its authen- ticity, largely because it is so d i f f i c u l t t o r e a c h . I t i s a place where time seems to stand still, and visitors can experience a way of life that has all but disappeared in many parts of the world. D e s p i t e i t s s m a l l s i z e , there is much to see and do in and around Monesteroli. F o r t h o s e i n t e r e s t e d i n nature, the hiking trails that wind through the surround- ing hills offer some of the most spectacular scenery in Italy, lined as they are with Mediterranean flora, includ- ing olive trees, wild herbs, and colorful flowers. The air is filled with the scent of the s e a a n d t h e s u r r o u n d i n g v e g e t a t i o n , a d e l i g h t f u l blend bound to become a v i v i d s e n s o r y m e m o r y o f your trip. One popular trail leads from Monesteroli to t h e n e a r b y v i l l a g e o f Campiglia, which will bring you through terraced vine- yards and forests. Along the way, hikers are treated to p a n o r a m i c v i e w s o f t h e coastline, with glimpses of the Cinque Terre villages in the distance. Monesteroli, of course, is close to the sea, too. Though the village itself is perched high above the water, visi- t o r s c a n t a k e t h e S c a l a Grande down to the rocky coastline below. Here, the clear waters of the Ligurian S e a i n v i t e s w i m m e r s a n d snorkelers to explore the underwater world, which is teeming with marine life. The coastline around Mon- esteroli is part of a protected m a r i n e a r e a , t h e P a r c o Area Marina Protetta delle Cinque Terre, which has helped to preserve the natural beauty and biodiver- sity of the region. For those who prefer a more relaxing experience, simply sitting by the water and soaking in the view is a memorable way to spend the day. Food is an essential part of the Ligurian experience, and while Monesteroli may not have its own restaurants, the culinary traditions of the r e g i o n c a n b e e n j o y e d i n nearby villages and towns. Ligurian cuisine is known for its simplicity and use of fresh, local ingredients, and o n e o f t h e m o s t f a m o u s dishes from the region is pesto, a sauce made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, o l i v e o i l , a n d P a r m e s a n cheese. This flavorful sauce is often served with trofie, a type of pasta unique to the region. Seafood is also a staple of Ligurian cuisine, with dishes like anchovies, stuffed mussels, and seafood risotto commonly found on local menus. Wine, particu- l a r l y w h i t e v a r i e t i e s l i k e Vermentino and the afore- mentioned Sciacchetrà, is produced in the region and is the perfect accompani- m e n t t o a m e a l o f f r e s h seafood or pasta. T h e r e a r e a l s o s e v e r a l curiosities and lesser-known facts about Monesteroli that a d d t o i t s m y s t i q u e : f o r example, the village is unin- habited for most of the year, with only a few residents returning during the sum- mer months. Despite this, M o n e s t e r o l i h a s a s t r o n g sense of community, with families who have lived in t h e a r e a f o r g e n e r a t i o n s m a i n t a i n i n g t h e i r h o m e s a n d t h e s u r r o u n d i n g t e r - races. Additionally, the vil- l a g e i s p a r t o f t h e P a r c o N a z i o n a l e d e l l e C i n q u e T e r r e , a U N E S C O W o r l d H e r i t a g e s i t e , w h i c h h a s helped to protect its unique cultural and natural her - itage. Monesteroli's isolation and difficulty of access mean that it remains off the beat- en path for most tourists, but for those willing to make the journey, it offers a truly unique experience. Its com- bination of rugged natural beauty, historical signifi- cance, and the simplicity of life in a remote village make it a destination unlike any other in Italy. CHIARA D'ALESSIO Monesteroli, the secret village of Le Cinque Terre Monesteroli's famous stairway to the sea (Photo: Francesco Valenti/Dreamstime) ALL AROUND ITALY TRAVEL TIPS DESTINATIONS ACTIVITIES

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